RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences commemorated a pivotal milestone with an event celebrating two decades of advancing healthcare education and leadership in the United Arab Emirates.

Held at RCSI’s regional office in Dubai Healthcare City, the event paid tribute to the university’s longstanding commitment to nurturing healthcare talent in the region and highlighted the profound influence its graduates and partnerships have had on healthcare standards for the benefit of patients.

Over the past two decades, RCSI has conferred degrees on over 3,000 graduates across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), many of whom have become leaders in their fields and are driving excellence in patient care. This enduring legacy has been shaped not only by RCSI’s innovative approach to education but also through its impactful partnerships and the dedication of its alumni champions.

A legacy of empowerment

Since its establishment in the region, RCSI’s initiatives have supported the UAE’s vision for a world-class healthcare system, contributing to an ecosystem built on collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

The university has had a consistent focus on building healthcare leadership capacity, equipping professionals with the skills to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving sector. In particular, women’s leadership in healthcare has been championed, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to inspire and guide future generations.

RCSI’s support of the Emiratization agenda, a national initiative to enhance Emirati participation in the workforce, has helped nurture national healthcare leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare in the UAE.

Today, RCSI Dubai operates as a Regional Hub, supporting the university’s agenda to deepen the impact in Postgraduate Healthcare Education through three key pillars: international student recruitment, strategic partnerships, alumni and community engagement.

Marking the 20th year anniversary, Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor, RCSI, said: “I am immensely proud to reflect on the impact RCSI has had in this region, and to see the contribution made by our alumni over the past two decades. RCSI Dubai’s mission remains aligned with the UAE’s National Agenda, supporting the development of a world-class healthcare system through high-quality education, professional training, and leadership development. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, partnership and impact in the region.”

The event heard from the Irish Ambassador to the UAE who said: “I am honoured to join Professor Kelly in celebrating 20 amazing years of RCSI in the UAE. The RCSI alumni network has truly enhanced connections between Ireland and UAE, paving the way for collaboration in healthcare.”

Recognising key partnerships

This celebration not only recognised RCSI’s 20-year journey but also acknowledged the strong partnerships RCSI has developed in the region, and our shared successes.

Eunan Friel, Managing Director of Healthcare Management and a member of the RCSI Senior Management team, highlighted the importance of these collaborations: “We are very proud of the impact RCSI, together with our strategic partners, is driving in the UAE. Through high-quality education and continuing professional development programmes, we are developing a skilled healthcare workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving sector.”

To commemorate these collaborations, a special “Partners in Excellence” wall was unveiled, honouring the key organisations that have played a crucial role in RCSI’s journey in the region. These include health regulators and authorities such as Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, and Dubai Health; health systems operators like PureHealth and Mediclinic; health enablers and innovators such as Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, and DataFlow; and advocates of excellence, including the Embassy of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

During the event, Mr. Issam Galadari, CEO of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, presented Professor Cathal Kelly with a plaque recognising RCSI as a founding member of the Dubai Healthcare City community.

The celebration also highlighted RCSI’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DataFlow, aimed at supporting the recognition of online certificates across the GCC. This partnership aims to raise awareness and provide essential support to prospective students and graduates as they navigate the degree certificate recognition process, ensuring a smoother journey in pursuit of their educational and professional goals.

You can learn more about RCSI Dubai here.